Wheel end assembly high-temperature warning system

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a wheel end assembly having a high temperature warning system for giving a warning in the event that the temperature in the assembly reaches a predetermined value such as caused by hub bearing failure or a brake related failure. In one embodiment the system may be a stand-alone system for installation on any vehicle such as a trailer. In another embodiment the system may be combined with an automatic tire inflation system.

1. A high-temperature warning system mounted on a vehicle having an axle and a wheel-end assembly rotatable thereon, the high-temperature warning system comprising:
 an air pressure supply in the axle and connected to a pressure source on the vehicle; 
 a normally closed valve connected to said air pressure supply, the valve capable of opening upon actuation to release air from the air pressure supply to atmosphere, the valve mounted to the axle or at a location other than on the rotatable wheel-end assembly; 
 a thermal electric switch connected to said valve, the thermal electric switch capable of actuating the valve upon a predetermined temperature, the thermal electric switch mounted adjacent said wheel end assembly so as to allow detection of heat from the wheel-end assembly; and 
 a warning system connected to the pressure supply, the warning system capable of actuating upon opening of the valve. 
 
     
     
       2. A high-temperature warning system mounted on a vehicle having an axle and a wheel-end assembly rotatable thereon, the wheel-end assembly comprising a bearing and a hub rotatably mounted thereon, the high-temperature warning system comprising:
 an air pressure supply in the axle and connected to a pressure source on the vehicle; and 
 a thermally-operated normally closed valve connected to said air pressure supply, the valve mounted to the axle or at a location other than on the rotatable wheel-end assembly, the valve capable of opening upon a predetermined temperature to release air from the air pressure supply to atmosphere, the valve mounted adjacent said wheel end assembly so as to allow detection of heat from the bearing or hub. 
 
     
     
       3. The high-temperature warning system of  claim 1 , wherein the location other than on the rotatable wheel-end assembly is a plug mounted in an end of the axle.